When you’re hosting your first event and trying to keep costs down, hiring an event planner might seem like an unnecessary expense. But it’s not. Here are seven surprising reasons to hire an event planner…
Want your event to look cool like this? You probably need an event planner.
Reason #1: You’ll save time.
There are details you don’t have to be bothered with. An event planner knows the ins and outs of event logistics. Hold a strategy meeting right at the beginning of the planning process, that way your planner will know exactly what your needs are. The planner can run meetings with the hotel and the videographer and the furniture guy and the A/V people. You will literally be able to count the hours having an event planner saves you.
Reason #2: You’ll save money.
This is the reason you think might be the opposite of what you’d expect. Most people think because you are paying the event planner, you’re spending more money, right? Not so. Once your planner knows what your budget is (and how strict you are about sticking to it), s/he can work with vendors to save you money on all kinds of things. They usually know which vendors would be willing to work on price and where you have some wiggle room. Because s/he has relationships with vendors already from past events, it’s easier to ask them for things than it is for you. In the long run, an event planner can save you the money you spent hiring him/her, and then some.
Reason #3: You’ll have a better looking event.
Left to your own devices, you probably would have a fairly sparse event, sans decoration. Most people think in terms of technical and practical needs. But event planners know that part of what makes for a great event is that it looks and feels great. There are tons of details like this that first time event hosts would never think of on their own. Things like, did you know that if you angle your audience chairs a certain way, it makes them feel more involved and engaged?
Reason #4: You’ll host your event at the right place.
Where you should host your event- what city and where in the city- depends on the kind of event you’re hosting and what your goals are for the event. Your event planner will help you choose a venue that can help you meet your goals for your event. This is something that can affect attendance, sales, and a whole bunch of other stuff.
Reason #5: You’ll have good people doing good work.
Event planner know not just one great videographer, but several. Because of the number of events they do with each of these companies, they usually know the pros and cons of each and can help you make the best choices and stay on-budget.
Reason #6: You’ll eat.
With all the details that an event requires monitoring, you can’t exactly run out for a quick bite somewhere. Your planner can arrange for meals to be brought in or preordered during the set-up day. Also, during the actual event you are then able to enjoy the meal with your guests instead of running around worrying about the timeline of the evening.
Reason #7: You can breathe.
When you’re planning an event, doing everything yourself is a very, very big job. And it gets stressful. As soon as you hire an event planner, you can breathe. You can step back, regroup, focus on the things you know the most about. Because someone else is handling the details of the event itself, you can be more focused on making your guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Interested in learning more about hiring an event planner? Check out Creative Transformations at www.ctstyling.com.
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Teri is an Akron native with over 20 years of experience in the creative arts. Her focus is a mix of wardrobe styling, set design and event management. Teri’s experience ranges from intimate social parties, weddings to large fundraising events. Learn more by visiting her website www.ctstyling.com.
